Chainset

I have just secured myself an unused circa 1980's chainset complete with a matching botom bracket at an absolutely bargin price. I have had to step away from cottered cranks, as they are simply too hard (or too ugly) to get hold of at the price I want and at the sizes I want (primarilly a 52/43) for touring.

The one I got was a Sugino Maxy, and although I say so myself, I think it is rather beautiful. I plan to get it fitted, along with a full service at my LBS as I don't have the tools to do the job properly myself. Though, the derailleur and shifters will be my own responsibility. Both of these are band on and so should be relatively easy to fit myself.

The toe clips and straps that I have now purchased and fitted work brilliantly with the look of the bike and didn't come in too steep in the end. They also seem to help with pedaling, now being able to apply power on the upstroke, as well as the down and forward. Though on the first ride, I did almost come a cropper, forgetting they were on at a junction. I am also going to have to experiment with getting them on and off quickly. I still haven't quite gotten over the novelty of being able to peddle with one foot.

Balaclavas